Dual-orifice atomizer performance under varying air density conditions

The spray quality and spatial distribution characteristics of a pressure atomizer of the dual-orifice type have been experimentally investigated using the well-established, non-intrusive techniques of laser droplet sizing and photography. Tests were conducted on kerosine and gas oil at air pressures up to about 8 atmospheres. The characteristics of spray quality and spatial distribution have been shown to undergo a noticeable change ove a wide range of main fuel flows. An increase in the air-density results in an improvement in the spray quality, but, is accompanied with a reduction in spray penetration. The dropsize correlation evolved earlier for the simplex pressure atomizer has been applied with success to the dual-orifice atomizer featured in this investigation.